Institute boosts health research

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The National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NISCHR) will improve services in Wales by allowing specialists to share ideas, say ministers.

A spokeswoman said the new “virtual institute”, a major commitment of the One Wales coalition between Labour and Plaid Cymru, will help prevent, detect and treat chronic diseases. The new centre will be a hub for scientist and health professionals to convert research into new treatments for patients.

Finance minister Andrew Davies said: “I am passionate about innovation in our public services. Finding new ways to tackle old problems, whether it is a new treatment or a new model of service provision, will be crucial if we are going to improve the quality of life for citizens in Wales.”

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: “The creation of the institute not only demonstrates the importance we place on social care and medical research and its crucial benefit to the health and education sectors, but also to our economy and the competitiveness of Wales – more important than ever in the current climate.”